Tawney Schreier | Contributing Writer

De-stress from the first few weeks of school with face masks that are simple, quick to make, and dorm room friendly. Whether homemade or store bought, there are a few things to remember.

• Make sure your face is clear of any make-up or dirt, so start with washing your face. Most face masks call for at least 10-15 minutes so if you don’t start with washing your face you’re just allowing that makeup or dirt to sit on your face, which defeats the purpose.
• If you are doing a deep cleansing mask it can be helpful to open your pores. Apply the mask after your shower or with a warm washcloth. If you opt for the washcloth run the washcloth under warm to hot water and press it to your problem areas for around 2 minutes.
• If you are using a peel-off mask avoid your facial hair; eyebrows, beards, and baby hair included. Trust me on this one.
• Anytime you use an exfoliating mask you should moisturize, even if you have oily skin. Exfoliating pulls hydration from your skin so it is important to put hydration back in.
• When using a scrub based mask make sure you massage it into your skin to get the best results.
• Pat your skin dry-rubbing can irritate it.
• For easy clean up use single-use packets. Freeman Feeling Beautiful is a great affordable option for this.
• Applying a toner after using a mask can also boost results.

It is also important to choose a face mask based on your skin’s needs; you can get masks that hydrate, exfoliate, deep cleanse, relax, and much more. Below are several recipes and store bought options to consider.

Hydrating

Store Bought:

• Yes To Coconut Hydrating Face Mask by Yes To
• Lotus Mask by the Sephora Collection
• Feeling Beautiful Avocado & Oatmeal Clay by Freeman

Home-Made Recipe:

Ingredients

Half of a ripe avocado

One teaspoon of organic yogurt

One teaspoon of honey

Instructions

Mash avocado, then smoothly apply other ingredients to form a paste (for extra hydration add a teaspoon of virgin olive oil). Apply for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.

Deep-Cleansing

Store Bought:

• Deep Clean Long Last-Shine Control by Neutrogena
• Feeling Beautiful Charcoal and Black Sugar Mask by Freeman

Home-Made Recipe:

Ingredients

Two tablespoons honey

Two tablespoons milk

Two tablespoons nutmeg

Instructions

Combine the ingredients and apply to skin. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then

rinse.

Peel-Off Masks

Store Bought:

• Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Facial by Freeman
• Mint Julep Peel Off Mask by Queen Helene
• Feeling Beautiful Pomegranate Peel-Off Mask by Freeman

Home-Made Recipe

Ingredients

Equal parts activated charcoal capsules and Elmer’s non-toxic glue

Instructions

Break the charcoal capsule(s) into a bowl and add glue ensuring there is no white from the glue but also is still the consistency of glue. If it is not, add glue accordingly (ie. if the mixture seems powdery). Apply to face and let dry. Once dry, peel off the mask and rinse the excess.

Calming/Stress Reducing Masks

Store Bought:

• Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Mask by Freeman
• Algae Mask by the Sephora Collection
• Feeling Beautiful Chocolate Strawberry Detox by Freeman

Home-Made Recipe

Ingredients

Two tablespoons honey

One teaspoon cinnamon

One lemon wedge

Instructions

Warm the honey for a few seconds using a microwave. Then add the other

ingredients. Put the mixture on your skin for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.

Choose what fits your skin and works well to help cleanse and de-stress you. These masks are easy to get a hold of and make and stay pretty easy on the budget.